Left Atrial Appendage and Atrial Septal Occlusion in Elderly Patients
with Atrial Septal Defect and Atrial Fibrillation
Abstract
Introduction: Elderly patients with ASD often present with chronic
atrial fibrillation and large left to right shunt. This study reports
the experience of left atrial appendage (LAA) and atrial septal defect
(ASD) closure in patients with significant ASD and chronic atrial
fibrillation. Methods / Results: We report six consecutive elderly
patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and significant ASD who
underwent LAA and fenestrated ASD closure from 1 January 2014 until 31
December 2019. All periprocedural and long term (>1 year)
outcomes were reported. Six patients (Male: 33.3%; Mean age: 66.8±3.3
years) were included. Mean CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc¬ and HAS-BLED scores
were 2.33±0.82, 3.83±0.75 and 1.83±0.75. Four patients underwent
simultaneous procedure while 2 patients underwent a staged procedure.
Procedural success was achieved in all patients. Total occlusion was
achieved during LAA occlusion without device embolization prior to ASD
closure. Patients who underwent simultaneous procedure had a shorter
total hospital stay and lower total hospital stay. During a follow-up
period of 32.8±19.4 months, both the devices were well seated. No
device-related thrombosis or erosion reported. All patients remained in
atrial fibrillation. No patients experienced any thromboembolic stroke
or transient ischemic attack. Conclusion: LAA and ASD closure is
feasible and can be safely performed in the same seating in elderly
patients with a significant atrial septal defect.